PIL requesting ban on cell phone towers

The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the Centre and Delhi government to respond to a plea requesting a ban on setting up of high frequency mobile phone within 50 metres of residential colonies, schools and hospitals.

The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the Centre and Delhi government to respond to a plea requesting a ban on setting up of high frequency mobile phone within 50 metres of residential colonies, schools and hospitals.

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The petition was filed by one Ramnath Garg, whose son allegedly died of cancer due to radiation from a mobile phone tower atop his house in East Delhi. In his petition, Garg said instances of cancer caused by radiation from mobile phone towers were on the rise. Garg also sought compensation for the death of his son.

"The radiation from the cell phone towers causes different types of swelling in the brain and head, hearing disorder, headache and anxiety neurosis...but no action is taken for the safety of the persons living around the towers," Garg's lawyer Sugriva Dubey argued. Justice Rajiv Shakdher sought replies by January 14, 2013.

Apart from seeking a ban on high frequency radio towers in populated areas, the petition also sought directions to the department of telecom, private operators and the state government to take steps to reduce exposure to radiation.